Zimbabwe's Youngest Drug Casualty: A National Wake-Up Call

National Drug Awareness

Posted by AI on 2025-09-22 06:35:12 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-17 03:48:34

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In a shocking revelation, an eight-year-old child has been admitted to the Victoria Falls Drug Rehabilitation Centre, marking a new low in Zimbabwe's battle against substance abuse. This heartbreaking case, confirmed by Victoria Falls town clerk Ronnie Dube, underscores the urgent need for a societal awakening and a comprehensive strategy to tackle this crisis.

The mere presence of a child barely old enough to grasp life's intricacies in a rehab centre should serve as a stark reminder of the societal safety nets that have failed. It is not just a personal tragedy but a collective failure, as highlighted by Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Charles Tawengwa, who stated that drug abuse threatens the very fabric of our communities and the nation's future.

The medical perspective provided by Ingutsheni Central Hospital psychiatrist registrar Loveness Ndebele is equally alarming. She reveals that children as young as seven are being brought in by parents after abusing drugs, often as a cry for help. This crisis demands a multi-faceted approach, involving medical professionals, social workers, educators, and law enforcement.

Zimbabwe's leadership, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has emphasized the importance of youth leadership and the need to protect the nation's culture and sovereignty. However, the current situation calls for more than just words. It requires immediate action, with a well-funded strategy addressing prevention and treatment. This includes mandatory drug education in schools, parent education, and community support systems. Law enforcement must intensify efforts to dismantle drug networks, while social services need to identify and assist at-risk youth proactively.

The nation's future depends on a unified effort to protect its youth from this insidious threat. As Mnangagwa aptly stated, "You must choose discipline in life and not destruction." Zimbabwe must now translate these words into action, ensuring its children are not left to make this choice alone.

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